"Numerous studies have demonstrated that our best performance on challenging, attention-demanding tasks--like studying in the midst of distraction--occurs at our peak time of day. When we operate at our optimal time of day, we filter out the distractions in our world and get down to business."

2. Sleep well and enough

It's probably not a big shocker that science would recommend sleep when you want to get more activities packed into your day?

However, this is counter-cultural as we all hold the picture of the big-shot executive or the young startup founder who pulls 'all-nighters' and never seems to stop working.

But, Professor Ian Oswald, best-known as "the founding father" of sleep research in the UK, and his colleagues noted that sleep allows the body to rest and repair itself before the grind of another day.

It also improves brain function by replenishing neurotransmitters in the nervous system.

In other words, sleep restores the energy that is used up at the end of each working day, so rest up.

3. Take work breaks

Do you feel guilty like me about taking breaks when you've got so much to do?

Well, feel guilty no more my friend as it's been scientifically-proven to help you get more done in less time. Yay!

It turns out that working longer hours is not a sign of efficiency, but working smarter is!

Productivity is about excelling at the tasks that generate the most value, not doing the most tasks.

Like any other muscle, the brain tires from repeated stress. It can only focus for 90 to 120 minutes at a time. This was discovered by Nathan Kleitman, a trailblazer in sleep research. He called it the "basic rest-activity cycle." It basically involves working for 90 minutes and resting for 15-20 minutes throughout the day.

4. Listen to music

I'm sure you're wondering how music can help get more stuff done. I mean, isn't it just distracting?

Well, it's been proven that listening to music boosts output, so crank it up.

Teresa Lesiukis an associate professor and program director for the Music Therapy program at the University of Miami Frost School of Music. She studies how music impacts workplace performance.

In one of the studies which involved information technology specialists, she discovered that music enhanced their mood. They accomplished their tasks faster and came up with better ideas than those who didn't listen to music.

While the study didn't specify, I'm venturing to guess they weren't listening to Nickelback.

5. Get an office plant

I know what you're thinking ... this is starting to get out of hand. But, as they say, it's science.

In a ground-breaking research, Dr. Chris Knight from Exeter University and his fellow researchers discovered that the use of houseplants enriches the quality of life of workers and made them 15 percent more productive.

Who would have guessed?

So, there you have it -- five proven techniques for getting more done in less time.

What do you do to stay productive? Share your best tips in the comments below.